As the year draws to a close, Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD) is set to host the largest New Year countdown projection show in the ASEAN region, transforming two iconic waterfront skyscrapers into illuminated artistic canvases. This grand spectacle, centered around UOB Plaza and The Fullerton Hotel, will offer nightly, visually stunning displays leading up to a massive New Year’s Eve celebration, marking a luminous farewell to 2025 and an energetic entrance into 2026.
Illuminating the CBD for the Holidays
The year-end festivities begin in mid-December with nightly projection mapping at UOB Plaza at Raffles Place. Running from 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM, this multi-week artistic showcase provides a dramatic backdrop to the vibrant holiday atmosphere gripping the city-state.
Initially, from December 18 to 25, the towering façade of UOB Plaza will feature a festive display integrating works by talented artists with disabilities, alongside compelling pieces sourced from the recent UOB Painting of the Year competition. This segment not only celebrates the season but also champions community and artistic excellence.
Following the initial Christmas run, the projections will transition to the main New Year countdown experience, which spans December 26 through January 1. During this period, the 67-story skyscraper will present a captivating visual narrative focused on a futuristic vision of Singapore. This imaginative journey will culminate in the final, exhilarating countdown sequence on December 31, synchronized across the facades of UOB Plaza 1 and the adjacent The Fullerton Hotel Singapore.
Music and Meaning: Supporting Childhood Cancer Research
Beyond the visual spectacle, the light shows are accompanied by a meaningful and stirring soundtrack. The official song, “Here We Are (Elijah version),” is an acoustic reimagining of Singapore’s National Day theme song. It was specifically composed in tribute to a young boy named Elijah, who passed away from cancer and deeply loved the original tune.
In the spirit of giving this holiday season, proceeds generated from the musical track will be directly donated to the Children’s Cancer Foundation, transforming the celebratory display into a platform for philanthropic support.
Where to Catch the Grand Finale
The countdown festivities are scheduled to intensify on December 31, with the main event kicking off at 11:00 PM. Due to the popularity and scale of the display, attendees are advised to arrive early to secure the best vantage points.
Optimal Viewing Locations:
- Cavenagh Bridge: Offers a direct, slightly elevated perspective of the UOB Plaza projections.
- Anderson Bridge: Provides excellent sightlines toward both participating buildings.
- Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) Riverfront: The open riverfront area opposite the projected buildings is traditionally an excellent spot for viewing the synchronized show.
This large-scale architectural projection reinforces Singapore’s position as a dynamic, technologically advanced hub for regional celebrations. By merging cutting-edge visual technology with meaningful community engagement, the event offers residents and visitors a memorable way to ring in 2026 while supporting a vital cause. The full schedule and project details are available via the UOB Group’s festival page.